Kosovo university head resigns after protests

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo's top public university official has resigned from his post following days of clashes between police and protesters who accused him and other staff of faking their teaching credentials.

Ibrahim Gashi made the announcement Saturday on Kosovo's public broadcaster, RTK. He blamed the events on Kosovo's political opposition parties. Gashi's appointment was backed by the ruling coalition.

For over a week demonstrators, mostly students, said university president Gashi and dozens of staff published research in dubious journals abroad.

Protesters throws back a tear gas canister at Kosovo police officers preventing students from storming the building of the main public Pristina University on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014. Hundreds of protesters are trying to break through a police cordon and reach offices of the dean of the public university who protesters say faked his teaching credentials(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Police in riot gear clashes with protesters outside Gashi's offices in the capital Pristina. Dozens of police and protesters were injured.

More demonstrations are expected next week as protest organizers demand all teaching staff credentials are scrutinized by an independent body.

Protesters throws tear gas canisters at Kosovo police officers who are preventing students from storming the building of the main public Pristina University on Friday, Feb. 7, 2014. Hundreds of protesters are trying to break through a police cordon and reach offices of the dean of the public university, who protesters say fake his teaching credentials. Police say over thirty protesters have been detained dozens of police and protesters injured. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)